Claimer: My Blog, My POV

Occasionally, I will mention my job, my public service activities, and other aspects of my life to offer my readers a better perspective on where I'm coming from. But to be clear:

"The views that I express represent my own opinions, based on my own education and experience, not the opinions of any other entity, party, or group to which I belong. I give these opinions in my individual capacity, as a private citizen, and as someone who gives a good gosh darn about his community, his country, and the truth."

I understand the legislative process is sometimes complicated and freshmen [sic] legislators have a steep learning curve. Let's just chalk these misstatements and opinions by Rep. Fargen to inexperience and a healthy dose of political rhetoric that will, hopefully, change as your representative becomes more familiar with the process. [Gov. M. Michael Rounds, letter to the editor, Madison Daily Leader, 2009.02.16, p. 3].

Oh, I think Mitch will get plenty familiar with the process: if he keeps talking straight and fighting for what's right, the voters of District 8 will keep sending him back to Pierre for many years to come.

(And note that, in Governor Rounds's world, "opinions" are a product of inexperience. Of course.)